We’ve all been there: we scour dozens of stores, try on more than a dozen pairs, all to find the one, the perfect pair of jeans. The last time I bought jeans was in 2012 and I had finally narrowed down my search to a pair of slim-legged, mid-rise Levi’s in a size 12 Short. I found them in some department store after searching through rows and rows of different styles. I ended up ordering them from Amazon out of convenience.

But even these seemingly perfect jeans weren’t perfect: the leg was narrow but not skinny, the stretch content was minimal but not enough to wear these comfortably AND eat a large burrito, the color faded with every wash, the the rise still hit at the most loathed part of my body: the belly ponch (technical term there, look it up).

During the great winter of 2015, I took the week snowed in to make my first pair of jeans. I really thought this would be a terribly difficult experience. Had I been sewing long enough to tackle THE MOST essential wardrobe component? Was I skilled enough to handle all that top-stitching? Somehow, it was as easy as any other garment I’d ever made. And OMG did they rock. They hugged my curves, showed off my small butt, and were so high waisted and stretchy I could eat TWO big burritos and never feel a thing.

I loved sewing jeans so much that it quickly became the topic of one of my most well attended sewing classes: Denim Bootcamp. There’s something special and ass kicking about knowing that you have made the most notoriously difficult garment to buy. And it’s a ton of fun to force ourselves to finish by 6:00 (yes, I kick you out at 6:00).

Other than walking out with your new favorite pair of jeans, Denim Bootcamp is by far the most convenient class of mine to take. EVERYTHING you need is included in the cost of the class – your denim (already prewashed), your thread, needle, pattern, button, zipper, everything! And since we’re meeting one day only, we’re super extra productive, although on occasion mayhem will ensue.

My next Denim Bootcamp is on Saturday, November 5, which if you haven’t checked your calendar, is less than two weeks away. I only have ONE SPOT LEFT and I guarantee this will be the best day of your life. Maybe not for real for reals, but it will be so damn close you won’t know what hit you. There’s nothing like slipping on the perfect pair of jeans to make your life better and brighter.

We’re all a little too busy. Between work, relationships, and down time, it’s difficult to learn a new hobby or skill. I’m proud to introduce Modern Seamstress Media, a convenient and efficient way to learn to sew your own custom wardrobe. All of my courses are designed to supplement one another, as well as any in-person classes you take, to provide a thorough, comprehensive overview of all things garment construction.

Garment Sewing Basics

This three-part course is the foundation of your garment sewing instruction, and breaks down the essentials before you ever sew your first stitch. You’ll learn:

How to read and understand commercial & independent sewing patterns

Where to find key information for your project on your pattern envelope and pattern tissue

How to prepare your fabric, find its grainline, and place your pattern pieces appropriately

How to cut out your pattern pieces using either pins & sewing scissors, or a rotary cutter & mat

Fitting 101 – Coming Soon!

Fitting 101 is a crucial partner to Garment Sewing Basics. In order to create custom clothes that FIT, you need to understand how to turn your 2D pattern into something to graze your 3D body. In Fitting 101 you’ll learn:

How to take a comprehensive set of body measurements

How to compare your personal measurements to the pattern size chart

How to make the most common length and width adjustments, including lengthening & shortening a pattern, and the ever elusive Full Bust Adjustment

How to create a test garment to then assess for fit issues

10 Essential Techniques – Coming Soon!

You’re finally ready to begin creating your own custom wardrobe! Ten Essential Techniques breaks down specific skills needed for garment construction such that you can pick and choose which skills you need to master or review. Techniques include:

Facings – Learn how to use a tailors board for perfectly flat neckline facings

Centered Zippers – Learn how a few simple notions can make your zippers perfect

Sleeves – Learn to insert set-in sleeves with minimal fuss

Hems – Create beautiful hems with the addition of a few simple tools.

And more!

How Does it Work?

That’s easy – simply click on the PayPal button under each course. You’ll be redirected to your PayPal app or home page where you can log in to your account. Once payment is received, you’ll receive a link and unique password to access your video on Vimeo. You’ll have access to each course FOR LIFE and can easily come back to each video as you need.

I LOVE fall! Out of all the wonderful seasons of East Tennessee, fall is my favorite. I love how my house smells when my windows have been open for days. Ahh! Anyway, I thought it high time that I schedule some sewing classes around here. We’re still waiting for a firm open date for Modern Studio, but until then, let’s make some awesome shit!

Garment Sewing Basics & Fitting 101

I am so freaking excited to unveil my beginner classes, Garment Sewing Basics and Fitting 101 as online, view in your jimjams content. A huge thanks goes out to my love muffin Victor for being my videographer and editor, and being the one to constantly nag me about going digital. These classes will be priced under $50 each and include online tutorials and view as convenient content to get you started with garment sewing. I’ll be adding more videos (10 Essential Techniques) as well as a Sewing Machine Starter class – everything you need to know to start sewing at the touch of a button. Every online class is meant to supplement each other, as well as any in-person class you may take with Modern Seamstress. Look for these this week!

The Clare Coat

I love, love, LOVE this coat pattern. It’s cool in a 60s type way but also elegant depending on which version you choose. This pattern also allows you to show off a gorgeous plaid or large scale print. I’m offering this class over three Saturdays from 10:00-1:00 beginning October 15. In this 9-hour class you’ll learn how to take body measurements and create a test garment, how to make standard pattern adjustments, how to work with wool coating fabric, how to apply and use various interfacings, how to construct a raglan sleeve, and how to attach a lining. The cost is $195 and includes your pattern, closure notions, interfacing and instruction.

Denim Bootcamp 2.0

I was crazy enough in the spring to offer an all-day denim making intensive and strangely enough, it worked! This class is all inclusive – you show up with your machine and walk out 9 hours later with your new favorite pair of jeans. The class includes your pattern, fabric, needle, thread, notions, LUNCH, plus 9 hours of instruction. At the end of the day you can rest easy knowing you never have to shop for jean EVER AGAIN! This class will be held on Saturday, November 5 starting at 9:00 am, and the cost is $225.